In the worst episode of violence in the NBA since the infamous game in Detroit in 2004, the referees decided to eject every player who was on the court when an incident broke out at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

Those ejected included Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith, Marcus Camby, Eduardo Najera and Andre Miller for the Nuggets, and Mardy Collins, Nate Robinson, Channing Frye, Jared Jeffries and David Lee for the Knicks.

Anthony, Smith, Robinson and Collins at least are facing suspensions, although more may be under the microscope.

It all started when Collins fouled Smith hard on a fast break attempt in the final minutes of a blowout Denver win, causing Smith to jump up and confront Collins.  

Nate Robinson came in to support his teammate, pushing Smith who took exception to the shove.  Robinson and Smith then wrestled into reporters sitting courtside as players from both teams ran in to stick up for their teammates.

Just as things started to settle down, Collins said something to Anthony who punched Collins in the face, causing Collins to hit the floor.  At first glace, the punch appeared to be completely unnecessary under the circumstances.

Episodes then followed, with Jeffries fighting through teammates and team officials to try to get at Anthony.  Robinson had a clear path to Anthony, who was backpedaling, but pulled back, effectively putting an end to the skirmish.

After the referees and coaches conversed, an announcement was made that every player who was on the court at the time of the incident had been ejected, with the Nuggets leaving the court first.  Once they were back in their dressing room, the Knicks followed suit since both teams share a common tunnel.

It is unknown if players from either team left their respective benches during the incident, with Knick broadcasters saying that Jamal Crawford and Stephon Marbury definitely remained on the sidelines.

It's bound to be a busy next few days for Stu Jackson and the others at the NBA offices.